Messages

31

Massachusetts' Two Footers / Re: WW&F #10 at Pleasure Island

« on: August 17, 2020, 04:58:07 PM »

Interesting to see the earlier closed in cab. 
I had to build my 7 1/2 version this way as the cab sides open as doors and there has to be something there to support the cab roof at the back.

32

Work and Events / Re: Event Pavilion for Alna Center - Official Reassembly Thread

« on: August 14, 2020, 10:38:30 PM »

I am in the process of replacing (all) ties on my 7 1/2 gauge Bountyland Railway with ground contact rated 2x4's. 
I'm paying about $5 per each 8 foot 2x4 which yields 4 ties so they are costing me a buck 25, each.... and I need a lot of them.
Ouch!

33

AUCTIONS / Re: Maine 2 Foot Forney (kit)

« on: June 04, 2020, 05:24:25 PM »

Harold is right. 
1 5/8 inch cab width would be almost 12 feet in HO scale! (1 to 87)

34

US Two Footers / Re: 2-feet in Alabama

« on: June 01, 2020, 07:52:38 AM »

I had nor heard about this one and it is sort of down my way.
I looked them up and here's their web page.         
 https://www.waleswest.com/

Bob Springs

35

AUCTIONS / Re: Maine 2 Foot Forney (kit)

« on: May 29, 2020, 12:11:32 PM »

I have experimented with HOn30 and found the biggest problem is reliable power pickup from the track.  Keeping the wheels and track totally clean seems to be the main issue.  There is a sure fire way around this.  Battery power R/C, and yes, systems are now small enough to do this in HOn30.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbooLfzvvAk 
Adapting this technology would take some tinkering but could be well worth it.
Also consider that using a mechanism from a smaller scale to model narrow gauge in a larger scale means the model bodies have more room for the tech stuff and to add more weight. 
Going back to using basic track power, just adding more weight helps a lot.
While HOn30 uses N scale track and mechanisms the SCALE is HO so all those structures, figures, etc. that HO offers are there for one to use and HO has, by far, the greatest selection.

36

General Discussion / Re: 2 Foot Model Parts

« on: April 20, 2020, 04:15:14 PM »

Anyone else remember the Thacher's Inlet HOn 2 1/2 modeling series in Model Railroad Craftsman back in 1972?  (see link, following)

 https://www.google.com/search?q=thatcher%27s+inlet&sxsrf=ALeKk0099L1q_WA90U2ecIbW0h9qBgHhBQ:1587416142889&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=N0usgtrnOA54IM%253A%252CP5j6yNozaHJ2EM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSksHSzcpD8-tdLTPz8A4eFRcT1uA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjFw7r68ffoAhUGGKwKHbk5DXYQ9QEwAHoECAoQFw#imgrc=Fo36nZAJumzHdM

This was my first exposure to Maine two footers.  I WAS HOOKED!!! 
Immediately ordered Moody's book!

Bob Springs

37

General Discussion / Re: 2 Foot Model Parts

« on: April 20, 2020, 12:57:38 PM »

for what it's worth, here is a 1/120 scale, 3 1/2 foot gauge 2-8-0 I built from an N scale engine.
I chose this odd scale to match the driver diameter and axle spacing to get a cheep, good running Colorado style consolidation.

38

General Discussion / Re: 2 Foot Model Parts

« on: April 20, 2020, 12:36:07 PM »

Sorry Dave.  I said HOn30 but meant On30 --- 1/48 scale on HO track.

For a look at some HOn30 (1/87 on N scale track)   See link below.
 https://www.google.com/search?q=HOn30+locomotives&sxsrf=ALeKk00eD3YEEaZ0ZkhMTHOj-syy96PBrw:1587403823670&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=_rmLD3th9UX6kM%253A%252COko8qEE1VfkTLM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQvd3sYrLmVh0bFOnraN6QwKf_4xg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjGmJmIxPfoAhVO4qwKHStABgEQ9QEwCnoECAkQLA#imgrc=_rmLD3th9UX6kM: 

What I did years ago was On30.
Senility sucks,
Bob Springs

39

General Discussion / Re: 2 Foot Model Parts

« on: April 19, 2020, 12:10:50 PM »

HOn30 has a large following these days.  Just Google HOn30 and you'll see lots of stuff. 
Engines, cars, coaches... even track and switches (with wider tie spacing and longer ties).  All runs on regular HO track, if you prefer.
Central Hobbies carries a good selection.  Be prepared to do some kit-bashing if you want something specific.
BTY, back in the day we called it HOn2 1/2.

40

General Discussion / Re: 2 Foot Model Parts

« on: April 17, 2020, 08:09:20 PM »

Indeed, Ed.  I cobbled together a pretty decent O scale model of Monson number 3 back in 1967.  Mechanism was rebuilt from a Mantua HO 0-4-0.
Only thing was it ran on HO gauge track so it was really On2 1/2 but everything else was 1 to 48.
Wish I had pictures!

41

Bridgton & Saco River Railway / Re: Arthur Griffin B&H 1940 excursion photos

« on: April 14, 2020, 06:46:42 PM »

Given that the hoops are centered on the windows, it makes sense that curtain panels could be pushed back or tied back to give a view out the window.

42

Museum Discussion / Re: Maine 2-Foot Grand Reunion >>>Photo Album<<<

« on: January 29, 2020, 10:38:34 AM »

WOW!!!  Just doesn't get better than this!

43

Other Narrow Gauge / Re: Sandy Ridge & Clear Lake Ry

« on: July 05, 2019, 08:13:18 PM »

Tom, I am so glad to see that The Sandy Ridge & Clear Lake is still running.  Seeing what you guys were doing in 7 1/2 gauge is what inspired me to try my own Maine 2 footer using 7 1/2 gauge track. 
While my best effort is rather a make-shift replica (battery powered, steam outline) All should know The SR&CL does it "right"!!!  Live steam, accurate 1/3 scale, point to point running, wide curves, steep grades... in a region with serious snowfall.
SR&CL is a fine tribute to the Maine 2 foot heritage.

For what it's worth, here's my No. 11.

Bob Springs

44

Volunteers / Re: Track Work 2019 (Not counting Work Weekends)

« on: March 27, 2019, 10:11:49 PM »

For my REPLICA of Sheepscot I had to do a mirror image of the track layout to fit into my limited back yard space.

Bob Aprings

45

Volunteers / Re: Track Work 2019 (Not counting Work Weekends)

« on: March 27, 2019, 01:08:40 PM »

In MODEL railroading, we say there is a prototype for everything.  My 7 1/2 gauge Bountyland Railway, which is based on the Sheepscot area uses 2 foot lengths of landscaping timbers for ties which, like your "telephone ties" have rounded edges.  Maybe there IS a prototype for everything.

Bob Springs